About LeTendre Education Fund Scholarships

Established in 1998 in memory of André E. LeTendre, husband of Mary Jean LeTendre, former Director of Compensatory Education for the U.S. Department of Education, the LeTendre Education Fund for Homeless Children provides scholarship assistance to students who are homeless or have experienced homelessness.

During his lifetime, André LeTendre was a teacher, debate coach, radio announcer, public relations specialist, and a director of human resources. He also served as a Congressional staff member and on the White House staff. He believed deeply in service to others, and served as the National President of the Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce). André was a friend and mentor to many young people and was especially committed to helping children in homeless situations. During the last ten years of his life, André arranged for his company to “adopt” homeless shelters and provide gifts and support for children in those shelters. In the spirit of André's desire to help children in homeless situations, the LeTendre Education Fund supports their efforts to pursue higher education.

The LeTendre Fund is administered by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth.

A national advisory board including local, state, and national educators, as well as family, friends, and associates of the late André LeTendre, reviews the applications and makes recommendations to the LeTendre family.

There will be a minimum of two $1,500 scholarships awarded annually. The scholarship is a one-time award. Additional financial support may be available for scholars in subsequent years.

Upon submission of evidence that you have enrolled in a post secondary program, the scholarship will be provided and may be used to help defray the costs of college tuition, application fees, books, prep courses, visits to prospective colleges, or other educational expenses.

To date, the Fund has awarded scholarships to more than 100 recipients.

The scholarships will be awarded on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth conference in Crystal City, Virginia (near Washington, DC).

The scholarship funds are available to students who are homeless or who have been homeless during their school attendance, and who have demonstrated average or higher than average achievement.

According to federal law, a person is considered homeless who “lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence.” This includes people living in shelters, cars, motels, campgrounds, or places not meant for human habitation, as well as children and youth who are living with friends or relatives temporarily because they lack permanent housing.

Students who have not reached their 21^st birthday by September 1, 2008, and who have completed less than one year of college are eligible to apply. Applicants may be high school juniors or seniors, students enrolled in a GED or other alternative education program, or recent graduates/GED recipients. If you are in high school and not yet enrolled in a post secondary program, the committee will hold your scholarship for you pending your enrollment. To receive applications via e-mail or fax, please contact Patricia Popp, NAEHCY LeTendre Chair, at (757) 221-7776 or pxpopp@wm.edu.

Applicants must submit:

1) A completed application form
2) An essay about the impact of homelessness on the their lives and their desire to attend college (500-1,000 words; please see essay evaluation criteria listed below)
3) An official school transcript (include class ranking, if available); and
4) A minimum of one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or other adult who can speak to the applicant's qualifications and experiences

This packet must be sent to:
The LeTendre Education Fund
c/o the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
4701 Connecticut Avenue, NW, #402
Washington, DC 20008

Materials may also be faxed to: (202) 318-7523.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Students' applications will be evaluated on:

1) Demonstrated commitment to education during the experience of homelessness;
2) Academic achievement and accomplishments;
3) Discussion of how the scholarship money would be used;
4) Statement of goals and career interests; and
5) Grammar and use of language

Applicants should write essays with these criteria in mind. The essay is the most important component of the application; letters of recommendation are also very important.

Submissions will be accepted by mail or by fax from November 1, 2007 - September 12, 2008. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm EDT on Friday, September 12, 2008.

To contribute to the LeTendre Education Fund for Homeless Children, please make checks payable to The LeTendre Education Fund.

Mail contributions to:
The LeTendre Education Fund
c/o the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
P.O. Box 26274
Minneapolis, MN 55426

For more information about the LeTendre Education Fund, please contact the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth:

Patricia Popp, Chair
LeTendre Education Fund
pxpopp@wm.edu
Ph: (757) 221-7776

Hilary Whyte, Coordinator
LeTendre Education Fund
hwhyte@naehcy.org

Barbara Duffield, Policy Director
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
bduffield@naehcy.org
(202) 364-7392